There are so many different types of blade types and supplies available on the market, does blade type matter and how do I decide which one to use? Is one necessarily better than the other?

First and foremost quality ALWAYS matters and makes a huge impact on your dermaplaning treatment outcome regardless of the shape, size or manufacturer. Quality varies greatly in sharpness and durability from manufacturer to manufacturer. As a result more than one blade per treatment may have to be used. Poor quality equals poor treatment outcome.

I would like to note that Advanced Esthetic Training guarantees only the best quality; we have worked with many blade types and many manufacturers to ensure that you only receive the best for your dermaplaning treatments.

Back to the questions above, does the type and size of the dermaplaning blade matter? The answer is…… NO! Blade types used during treatment are only a matter of personal preference! There are many estheticians with their personal favorite however; one person’s favorite does not make it superior to another’s.​

So, again one blade type is not necessarily better than another, it is all about personal preference.

Surgical blades come in sterile packaging and the number on the surgical blade communicates both its size and its shape. Think of it as shorthand code for labeling a blades characteristics.

Some common types and numbers of blades include the following; the #10 standard blade, the #10R butter blade, the #14 blade, the #15 blade as well as the #22 blade. We are also going to be discussing the #11 blade for clarification purposes.

Surgical scalpels are available in single use or reusable versions. Reusable blades are permanently attached to the handle while single use blades are designed to lock into a blade handle and are easily removable. The single use scalpels typically have a plastic blade handle and can only be used once before the entire instrument is discarded.

Medical experts frequently assert that the making of a surgical blade lies in the quality of the material used to produce it along with the technology behind grinding the blades cutting edge. Silver was historically the material of choice for surgical scalpels, but today surgical blades are usually made from stainless steel or carbon steel.

Fun fact: Hippocrates was actually the first physician to describe a surgical blade. Interesting, these medical instruments were essentially the same shape back then as they are today. However, there are important differences in the shape of the blade. You should choose the shape best optimized to your particular facial style.

Specifications to consider when selecting a surgical blade relate to the shape and finish of the cutting edge. To get started here is some basic terminology used to reference different parts of the blade.

The edge

A scalpels blade edge is its actual sharp cutting surface which serves as an important component of the tactile feel. The better the tactile feel the more control the esthetician has resulting in a more consistent precise treatment. The sharper and smoother the blade, the less drag and potential irritation occur.

The spine

The spine of the surgical blade is the unsharpened rigid edge.

The slot

The most typical surgical blade is the replaceable or stainless steel version. Since it is permanently attached, it features a key like slot at an angled base that firmly snaps the scalpel blade into the handle. This allows the blade to be ‘loaded’ or ‘unloaded’ simply by moving the end of the handle in or out of the slot.

With the right research and preparation you can be well armed for successful treatments and positive client results. Overall, purchasing the best quality blades and dermaplaning supplies will drive productivity and ensure high quality client care. At Advanced Esthetic Training we carry a wide range of dermaplaning supplies to meet all of your needs.

The precision of the surgical blade plays a critical role in a successful dermaplaning treatment outcome. They are vitally important and should be held to the highest standards of excellence.

Purchasing your dermaplaning supplies from only reputable sources insures that your blades and tools are authentic, professional quality and individually sealed and sterile for your peace of mind and protection. Beware of inexpensive imitations that are poor quality and will affect your treatment outcome or worse, cause injury to your client.